ESTABLISHED Liverpool estate agency chain Whitegates this year launched a property auction division.

Ian James is the auctioneer and this is an account of his day.

6.45am: Quick shower and shave. Generally always choose a dark blue suit for the auction days. Then leave for the office.Š

7.30am: I arrive at the Whitegates Estate Agency offices, which are based in Woolton Village, south Liverpool, at about 7.30am.

I set about reading my emails and discarding all the spam. I then work through any important paper work. I have been based at the offices in Woolton Village for about six to seven years now, and I must say Woolton Village is a most pleasant place to work.

On auction days, I will pick up a copy of the auction brochure and take myself away from the office so that I can spend some quite time reviewing the lots and to familiarise myself with the properties to be sold later that day.

10.30am: The team has a meeting to make sure we are all prepared. We have 29 residential and commercial properties in the auction from all around the city. My personal favourite is a Grade II listed lodge that is near to where I live. It has a lot of character and you can just tell it is going to be a particular favourite with the public.

12.30pm: We drive to Liverpool Marina, with the scene set for the auction, and many clients are approaching me wanting to discuss certain properties. I see lots of staff from both the Walton and Woolton offices sorting out all of the contracts needed for the auction. There is always a feeling of nervousness and excitementŠ